You likely recently heard the term “Airbrush makeup” and would like to know what it is and if its something you should consider adding to your makeup toolbox.
Today I’ll explain to you what airbrush makeup is, the tools used to apply airbrush makeup, and the benefits of using airbrush makeup over traditional makeup.
Let me start out by saying,
Airbrush makeup is a skin-friendly liquid based makeup used similar to traditional makeup but applied using an airbrush. The airbrush atomizes the makeup into a fine mist before it contacts the skin. This allows for a far smoother finished appearance and can be applied faster then traditional.
Airbrush makeup is a highly pigmented and refined liquid makeup similar to the viscosity of water so it flows well through the airbrush and applies evenly to the skin.
Since an airbrush uses, compressed air, this liquid makeup is being atomized into tiny micro droplets of makeup before it hits the surface of the skin.
This is why airbrush makeup is such a popular choice for many. As it is much quicker to apply and blends far better then traditional makeup so it does not appear splotchy.
Airbrush makeup is sprayed through an airbrush onto the surface of the skin in light coats that are controlled by small amounts of air pressure so not to harm the applicant.
To much air pressure (PSI) is known to have harmful health effects, so it is vital you use the correct air pressure when applying airbrush makeup. Commonly 15psi or less is ideal.
Commonly Used Airbrush Makeup Equipment
An airbrush is connected to an air compressor using a special air hose that allows you to get the air pressure from the air compressor to the airbrush.
The max air pressure going through the airbrush when the trigger is pulled is commonly controlled either via the pressure control regulator on the compressor, or on the airbrush itself via a P.A.C. (Precision Air Control) valve.
Airbrush
When it comes to airbrushes for airbrush makeup application and so forth, there are a couple models to be aware of. First is the single action airbrush.
The Single Action Airbrush: is essentially operated like an on / off switch. Press down on the trigger and you have a steady flow of makeup coming from the airbrush.
That being said, you can adjust the volume of makeup flowing from the airbrush. However, this must be done manually by adjusting the airbrush needle position, which is simple to do but cannot be done on the fly (you must pause the application process for a moment in order to do so).
The second option is,
The Double Action airbrush: which takes the same concept of the single action but to a new level. Instead of operating the airbrush trigger like an on / off switch, you have instant variable control over the volume of makeup flowing from the airbrush.
Simply speaking, on the double action airbrush your given a variable trigger that you’ll pull back. The further back you pull the trigger the more makeup volume you’ll get, the less you pull back on the trigger, the less makeup you’ll get.
The double action allows for a much greater amount of control over makeup delivery but does require some practice in order to master it.
For a beginner I recommend you opt for a single action airbrush, unless you’re up for the challenge of a double action!
Air Compressor
The air compressor is essentially the life force behind this whole idea of Airbrushed Makeup. It generates the air pressure necessary to apply your makeup using an airbrush. Without pressurized air, you can’t atomize the makeup, and you can’t apply it.
The compressor allows a selected control of the flow of air that runs through the air hose into the airbrush. The airbrush also has an airflow control which limits the flow between the air supply and the amount of liquid airbrush makeup that’s applied.
Though, nearly any air compressor can work with an airbrush. It’s recommended you opt for a compressor specifically designed for airbrush makeup application. As these compressors are commonly governed at a specific PSI level for safety reasons.
It can be dangerous if too much air pressure is used when applying makeup to the skin.
Airbrush makeup compressors commonly have a low “Max PSI” for safety purposes.
That being said, if you’re looking to turn airbrush makeup application into your full-time career then you may want to consider opting for a larger, stronger compressor for longevity purposes. Just know the max pressure to use on skin and never go above it.
Now for most personal users, a small and simple airbrush makeup compressor such as the ones found in airbrush makeup kits will be perfect for home use application.
Air Lines & Couplers
Obviously, you need to get the air pressure from the air compressor to the airbrush. You do that with the special air hose and couplers specifically designed for airbrush use.
There are different methods for connecting the airbrush to the compressor.
First you can do it using a hose that has got a threaded fitting on each end that then threads onto the compressor and the other end onto the airbrush.
Second you can do it using a hose with barbed fittings. (This is commonly what you will see in airbrush makeup kits available in the market place.)
How Airbrush Makeup Is Applied
Depending on your need, various liquid makeup products are intended for airbrush makeup. Each of these products have advantages and/or disadvantages depending on how long the makeup needs to be on a person’s skin.
It also depends on what additives are mixed into the makeup base that helps make them more comfortable for long or short periods. Most of the face painting airbrush makeup is great for short periods, whereas alcohol-based makeup is better-suited for lasting days and not smudging so easily.
For the application process, it’s recommended to apply light coats, and allow each to dry before the next. Lighter coats will dry faster and allow more precision for gauging the amount of color that needs to be applied in order to achieve the look your going for.
Too thick of a coat all at once will commonly result in what is known as spidering (in the painting world). What happens is the makeup will start to puddle on the skin then spread unevenly blowing in all directions as the liquid builds up without allowing time for it to dry between thin coats.
This commonly occurs, due to, too much makeup concentration in to short of time.
For best application use thin coats of makeup and allow periods of time between each coat for it to dry (30 seconds or so). By taking your time you can achieve a highly realistic appearance.
I personally relate using an airbrush to sculpting like you would with clay, but with paint / makeup. By building up color in spots that need it and leaving spots alone that require less. Soon you’ll have exquisite depth of field in your features.
When it comes time for shading and fine detail you can achieve some exciting effects. The results are commonly a lot cleaner than a sponge or brush can create.
Applying airbrush makeup should be a gentle and thoughtful process with just as much care for who is having makeup applied, whether you are applying it to a client or yourself.
Quick Note: If you are applying airbrushed makeup to a client, It’s best to start by talking to them beforehand and telling them what is being done each step of the way. This way, there are no surprises and less chance of them becoming bothered or irritated during the application process.
A sudden blast of air can make a subject twitch or jerk if sensitive parts of the face (including eyes and ears). Letting them know what you are doing beforehand will give them a moment to prepare for what is coming.
If you’re applying airbrush makeup to yourself, be mindful of where you aim the airbrush. A sudden blast of air in the eye can be jolting for most, even if your prepared for it.
The Benefits Of Airbrush Makeup Over Traditional Makeup
Appearance
The main advantage of using airbrush makeup is getting a cleaner, smoother surface when finished, both in terms of feel as well as appearance.
Using a sponge takes more work for blending and shading, where it’s required to work the makeup on the face / skin rather than simply apply it.
Airbrush applied makeup will also help reduce the chances of smudged makeup when going for a flawless makeup finish.
Speed
Base colors can be applied easily and quickly which speeds up the application time significantly. Rather than pushing and pulling makeup around on the face using a brush for upwards of 10 minutes plus, you can simply mist it onto the face in seconds using the airbrush.
Lower Cost
There is less material waste when it comes to airbrush makeup. Cleaning sponges or brushes are replaced with only the colors that are needed for airbrushing.
Changing colors is as simple as changing the spray bottle when using a gravity feed airbrush which holds a variety of colors needed for airbrushing makeup likewise.
These bottles for gravity feed / siphon feed airbrush all have caps that cover the top and keep the airbrush makeup from drying out.
Cost-wise, the amount that’s paid for airbrush makeup is cheaper since a little bit of color goes a long way when it’s sprayed through an airbrush. Unlike makeup kits or traditional face painting colors, the material waste is 3 to 4 times compared to using airbrush makeup.
That being said the upfront cost of airbrush makeup is steeper. But long term you’ll be using less makeup to achieve the same opacity.
Common Events For Airbrush Makeup
Airbrush makeup is very common in the Film and Television industry these days.
In recent years, it has found a trendy home in the line of work for fashion photo shoots and live runway models.
More recently, it’s become very popular for wedding makeup and special ceremonies where public speaking and presentation are important.
Another great example is street fairs and music festivals where creative face painting is equally attractive and lucrative.
The holidays are perfect for creating makeup for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, 4th of July and so forth!
And don’t forget sports events, where fans can utilize airbrushed face paint / makeup to their hearts desire!
Musicians and live bands can, and commonly do, benefit from having airbrush makeup for live shows or music videos.
Car shows and trade show events will always require models that need makeup in addition to dance troupes or performers.
While some other interesting applications include retirement home resident makeovers, or perhaps the use for funeral home morticians. The limits on how, who, what or when airbrush makeup can be used is only a matter of your creative limits.
As of lately with recent advancements in airbrush makeup equipment. Many have begun using airbrushed makeup in their daily routine similar to how they would with traditional makeup. For beauty.
Conclusion
Airbrush makeup is simply makeup applied using an airbrush rather then a brush or sponge. Airbrush makeup its self is a high flow liquid pigment designed specifically for skin application using an airbrush. It’s smooth and very liquid (Similar to water) so it functions well with the airbrush so not to clog it, and applies smooth to the skin.
Airbrush makeup has many applications from film to every day beauty. Airbrush makeup speeds up the makeup application process and allows for a far better result with some application experience.
If your considering giving airbrush makeup a go, take a look at this airbrush makeup kit (Available on amazon) to get started, its great for new comers on a budget.
I hope you were able to find some value here! If you have any further questions regarding the airbrush do be sure to take a look around the website. Airbrush Insider is dedicated to helping all in the airbrush community!
This is Colt signing off!
